The grade of a hardwood tree or log segment is not simply determined by the specimen's diameter. The specimen's bark surface must be examined and the presence & position of defect indicators noted to accurately determine the grade. I use the "Kenna" grading protocol developed by the US Forest Service to determine the grade, which then reveals to us how much upper grade lumber can be recovered from the specimen. I have verified the accuracy of this protocol through mill studies I've completed for several western US hardwood species. Upper grade recovery can vary from 70% of the net volume for specimens graded "F1" down to 0% for specimens that fall below the three factory grades. Knowing the grade of a tree or log specimen before hand, can allow a client to determine if that specimen has a higher value processed into lumber or if it should be sold by the ton to the chip or firewood markets. I can utilize a sophisticated 3P selection procedure to apply the Kenna protocol to large timber stands or log decks.

For "F1" or "F2" grade specimens, a client could recover a net value of at least $110 per ton if he has the wood processed into lumber as opposed to recovering a net value of just $5 a ton (or less) if the same quantity of material is sold to the chip market.

Services Provided

Standing trees or decked logs graded & marked to allow client choice on later marketing.

Long logs marked for later bucking to optimize grade recovery.

Marketing advice, including per ton, firewood, or board-foot value appraisals of available hardwood timber or log quantities and potential buyer contacts.

Trees and logs are graded as presented. Excessive moss or
vines should not cover the bark surface of trees, in order to permit accurate grading. Logs should be rolled out away from other logs and graded while still sheathed in bark.

John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."